Three regional cases of confirmed COVID-19 have been identified as employees of Smithfield Foods in Monmouth.
Two of those cases tested positive were among Rock Island County residents, while another was a Warren County resident.
The Warren County Health Department says they, Smithfield, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and OSF Healthcare are prioritizing testing to assist with the investigation.
Intensive contact tracing has been ongoing and recommendations for additional protective measures have been addressed, including wearing masks, installing barriers, expanding areas for employee breaks, hand sanitizing stations, and temperature scans and symptom screenings upon entry.
Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and continue to take preventative action to prevent the spread of the illness.
Recently it was announced that individuals have the potential to be contagious for up to 48 hours prior to showing any signs of symptoms.
The public is encouraged to self-monitor daily for any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, loss of taste or smell, extreme fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches.
Due to federal privacy restrictions, the release of any additional information on this investigation is prohibited.
Officials with Smithfield decline to comment to WGIL on any cases — this, as one of their plants in South Dakota has all but been shuttered after a reported 640 employees there tested positive.
CLICK HERE for a link to Smithfield Foods’ COVID-19 Response page.
